gifts

When it comes to presents from exes, I'm a purge and push-on kind of gal. But I understand some things are just not easy to throw in the trash, even if they are from the guy who broke your heart or the one you couldn't run from fast enough. So if you're toggling between keeping and tossing something he bought you, here's a guide to help you decide what to do. It's a keeper: Housewares. No man should ever come between you and your KitchenAid. Whether he bought you the ultimate mixer or a robotic vacuum, these gifts are more practical than personal and will serve you well long after he's gone. Clothing. Mixed into your wardrobe are a few pieces—a faux leather jacket, a flannel PJ set and the perfect little black dress—that your ex picked up over the years. But unless each time you pull those clothes over your head you're tempted to cry, there's no reason to toss things with little sentimental value and that you likely would have bought yourself if he hadn't beat you to it. Jewelry. Diamonds are a girl's best friend, not the guy who gave them to you. So if you love read more

Another Valentine's Day is behind us, which means one thing: It's time to spill about what went down this past February 14th! Actually, it also means there's a big discount on drugstore candy, so I'm planning on chasing a sugar high that will put all my past ones to shame. Join me, won't you? And speaking of sweet things, how was your Valentine's Day? Mine was pretty spectacular, but not without a few hiccups here and there... The only thing I have in common with Aaron Carter is that at one point, we both wanted to be marine biologists. I've always been fascinated/highly freaked out by marine life. Going to the National Aquarium in Baltimore has been on my list of things to do for years, but it's hard to get to from Blake's DC neighborhood since he doesn't have a car. On Valentine's Day, he surprised me with a rental and we finally made the trip. My excitement quickly turned sour when we got there at 12:30 and realized they took people on timed entry, and we wouldn't be able to get in until 2:45. That was the first bump in the road, and to say I was annoyed read more

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, but you already know that. You might be excited for your plans and just need the perfect gift to go with them, or you might be dreading the evening and totally stressed out about what to get your guy. Well, if it's any consolation, your guy is going through the exact same stress. When it's down to the wire, one of the easiest gifts to pick out last-minute is a fragrance. You don't need my help to get your guy a good cologne, because he'll wear anything that you think will make him smell sexy. This blog post is for the guys. Getting a girl a really nice perfume is a fab idea (assuming perennial favorites like flowers, chocolate, and jewelry are ruled out or have already been done). So, share this with your brother, your boyfriend, or your best guy friend now. My men, here's what you need to do in order to pick the perfect perfume for Valentine's Day: 1. Restock her favorite scent if she has one (just sneak a peek at her nightstand when you're at her place). Major bonus points: Have the bottle engraved with her name! Many high-end boutiques like read more

It is nearly Valentine's Day, which means that everywhere you turn will be piles of cellophane-wrapped boxes and giant red hearts full of (let's face it) mediocre-at-best chocolates. But how to wade through the delicious-looking piles to get something that's worth the calories? Ask an expert! Vincent Caradonna, the founder and head chocolatier of Brooklyn-based artisanal chocolate shop The Lost Sense, gave us his tips for what to look for—and once you find it, how to get the most out of your chocolate. Vincent at work. 1. Where to go Vincent says, "Always go to a chocolatier, not a grocery store. First, because you'll find someone knowledgeable about the product and can help you choose. Second, what you'll find will always be fresher because it's a small business. And third, you'll be able to taste the love that the chocolatier puts into his work! As far as geography, no specific country of origin is 'the best'—some people think that French or Belgian or Swiss chocolate is 'the best,' but that's mostly because they're just the oldest in the industry. You can find amazing chocolate at small companies all over the world." 2. What to look for "The percentage of cacao read more

If money were no object, what would you buy your loved ones this holiday season? Better question—what would you buy yourself? Allow us to present you with a bevy of amazing holiday gift options. read more

If the only thing standing between you and the holiday spirit is some gift-giving anxiety, we know just how you feel. With chic and stylish friends like ours, what can we buy for each one that seems thoughtful and handpicked but doesn't break the bank? To answer all those questions and more, we curated a collection of 30 perfect giftables, all under $100! (No judgments if they end up on your personal wish list too.) read more

There’s no point in registering for fancy china if you’re never going to host a schmancy dinner party—and you can't serve a decent protein shake in a dainty teacup. If you and your groom would rather do bicep curls with a waffle iron than indulge in a lazy brunch, here are Target wedding expert Brit Morin’s five health and fitness registry picks for you: “Did you know that friendly competition makes you work out harder?,” says Brit. “Register for a Fitbit for you and your partner (they’re available in every color under the sun!) and let the games begin.” Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity & Sleep Tracker in Violet, $99.99. “These headphones are sweat-resistant and designed for athletes,” says Brit. “Meaning they won’t fall out every time you go out for a run together.” Beats by Dre PowerBeats In-Ear Headphone in Neon, $149.99. “Perfect for a cruise around the neighborhood or to the beach together,” says Brit. Schwinn Women’s Legacy 26" Cruiser Bike in Yellow, $129.99. Men’s Legacy 26" Cruiser Bike in Blue, $129.99. Who needs cable? You’re too busy getting buff to keep up with a Kardashians marathon. And still, it’s nice to have a way to stream movies on read more

If you worry about going way over budget every holiday season, let us assuage your fears. We've found 50(!) amazing presents for every person on your gift list--and not a single one is over $50! read more

Gift-giving season has arrived! These perennial favorites (from chocolate to coffee-table books) come in every size, shape, and budget, so if you have holiday presents on the brain, check out these options. read more

For the rest of the year, your calendars will be packed with more parties than usual. And nobody's complaining (we love a party too!), but with a full schedule comes an extra responsibility: hostess gifts. read more